Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body uses digested food for growth and energy. It affects about 8% of the population in the United States. When people eat food, the body breaks it down into glucose, which serves as the main source of fuel for the body. However, before the body can use the glucose to fuel itself, it requires insulin to work properly. The pancreas produces the insulin which the body uses to move the glucose through the blood. Normally the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin when food is digesting, but in people with diabetes the pancreas does not function properly. It either produces too little insulin, none at all, or the cells themselves do not adequately respond to the insulin being produced. This causes the glucose to build up in the blood, make its way into the urine, and pass out of the body. If diabetes is left uncontrolled and not monitored regularly, it could lead to serious health complications.

Monitor Your Sugar Levels

Since people with diabetes lose their primary source of fuel for their body, they need to constantly watch their blood glucose levels. A blood glucose meter measures a person’s blood glucose level. The way it works is that one end of a test strip is inserted into the meter; a fingertip is pricked with a lancet (special needle) so that it draws a drop of blood. Then, the other end of the test strip is placed on the blood and the meter will give a blood glucose reading. While all blood glucose meters may accurately measure glucose levels, they can differ when it comes to type and features that they offer. Some factors to consider before buying a blood glucose meter are costs, insurance, ease of use, special features, maintenance and support.

• CWDF: Provides emergency diabetes supplies for children.

• Life with Diabetes: Resource to find supplies for diabetes.

• Consumer Reports: Information on different features of some glucose meters.

• Family Doctor: Answers questions about how and why to monitor blood glucose levels.

• WebMD: Article about different ways to test blood sugar levels.

• ADW: Wholesale site that sells diabetes supplies online.

• NCSL: A consumer guide to state-sponsored diabetes programs.

• American Heart Association: Article discussing the symptoms, diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes.

• Medicare: Report on what supplies and services that Medicare covers.

Lifestyle Modifications

While there is no cure for diabetes, making some lifestyle changes can help manage the disease. In order to properly manage diabetes, it is important to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Medication is one way to do it, but there are other things that can help manage proper sugar levels. Exercising for 30 minutes every day can help manage the disease. Of course, before starting an exercise program one should consult with their doctor. Some activities can include dancing, walking, gardening, and cleaning the house. The important thing is to increase overall daily activities. Diet and proper nutrition are additional areas that can help manage glucose levels. Adequate levels of vegetables and fruits in a diet are crucial. Fish and lean meats, like turkey, should be consumed at least two times per week. Drinking water and controlling the amount of food that is consumed can go a long way when it comes to managing diabetes.

• NY Dept. of Health: Article about ways to manage diabetes.

• Nutrition: A resource for nutrition and health issues for people with diabetes.

• USDA: Resource page covering carbohydrates counting and diabetes organizations.

• Eat Right: Article about putting together a diet plan for diabetes.

• ADA: American Diabetes Association article about planning meals, foods to eat and cookbooks.

• Help Guide: Article that discusses diabetes diet and food tips.

• CDC: Center for Disease Control resource about diabetes topics.

• Health Finder: Resource site that covers diabetes issues from A – Z.

• Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association: Resource for active people with diabetes.

• Health Information: Article discussing benefits of exercising, kinds of exercises and risks associated with exercising for people with diabetes.

• Diet and Exercise: Resource guide covering why glucose levels change, things to do to lower levels, fat, and coordinating diet and exercise.

• ODU: How to excel with exercise despite diabetes.

Factors That Affect Blood Sugar Levels

Knowing some common factors that affect blood sugar levels can drastically improve one’s quality of life. The type of food eaten plays a pivotal role in managing diabetes, however, the actual amount of food eaten is also important. Eating a well-balanced meal, practicing portion control and staying on a schedule are all good habits for anyone trying to manage the disease. Exercising daily will also affect blood sugar levels. As a body is exercising, the muscles use the glucose for energy. Medications, such as insulin, lower blood sugar levels. How effective the medications are depends mainly on when taken and in what dosage. Other factors that affect blood sugar levels include headaches, sickness, body pain, stress (both physical and emotional) and alcohol consumption.

• Mayo Clinic: Article about how lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar.

• National Diabetes Education Program: Article about a self-care plan that covers the ABC’s.

• Psychosomatics: An article that discusses depression and diabetes.

• NDIC: A paper discussing what one needs to know about their diabetes medicines.

• Joslin: A report about the affects fiber has on blood glucose levels.

• Blood Sugar and the Human Brain: Detailed study on how carbohydrates affect the brain.

• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg: A report that discusses how high blood sugar levels can be a risk for heart disease.

• Health Notes: Article that deals with understanding low blood sugar.

• UCSF: A publication from the University of California, San Francisco that covers how blood sugar and other hormones affect people with diabetes.

• University of Manchester: A study about the factors affecting the secretion of insulin and glucagen.

• Cleveland Clinic: A study about what causes high blood sugar levels in the morning.

Routine Care

Anyo?ne diagnosed with diabetes should visit their doctor twice a year. Each visit needs to include various procedures such as getting one’s blood pressure checked, feet checked, weight checked and a thorough review of their self-care plan. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels also need to be checked at least once a year. During the exam the doctor should also run urine and blood tests to check for possible kidney problems. Twice a year an A1C test needs to be performed. If the results are over 7, the test may be given more often. Those with diabetes should get a pneumonia shot at least once and should always get a flu shot each year. Beyond the two yearly doctor visits, an annual eye exam where the eyes are dilated is also important. Following a complete routine care regiment can help individuals stay healthy by detecting any problems early.

• NDEP: Article that covers important steps to follow for routine diabetes care.

• PDF: Publication that includes a detailed discussion on A1C test.

• Foot Health: A publication from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention about diabetes and proper foot health.

• JDC: A guide that covers four tips of foot care for people with diabetes.

• NIDDK: A publication from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases that covers facts on common problems and steps to take to keep diabetes under control.

• Caring: A article that covers 15 essential diabetes drug tips.

• University of Iowa A paper from the University of Iowa that provides nutrition tips for people with diabetes.

• Caring for Your Eyes: A paper from the Johns Hopkins Medicine Center that includes facts, treatments, and how to avoid diabetes-related eye problems.?